Speaking on air (via Football Daily), reliable Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped a live TV transfer hint involving AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Kessie swoop...

As per numerous reports, Tottenham are eyeing a move for the Ivory Coast international and reports suggested recently that it was actually advancing behind the scenes.

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Indeed, as per La Gazzetta (via Get Italian Football News), the Lilywhites were said to be in very advanced talks to sign the 24-year-old on a pre-contract as his San Siro deal continues to wind down.

The Serie A giants risk losing Kessie on a free deal next summer and Spurs have been continuously tipped to be working on a move, as also explained by reporter Rudy Galetti.

The Latest: Lilywhites hint dropped...

Speaking on air (via Football Daily), Di Marzio doesn't go that far but hints it may be possible in 2022, not in January.

When asked if Stefan de Vrij or Marcelo Brozovic could join Antonio Conte at Spurs, he refuted that possibility but refused to rule out a potential Kessie transfer.

"Kessie, not in January, but Kessie could be," he explained.

"He's not top, but he's a very good player, but the philosophy of Tottenham is to get top young players so Brozovic and de Vrij are too old for this project." 

The Verdict: Get it done...

While Lilywhites supporters will arguably be gutted to miss out on de Vrij and Brozovic, they can take solace in the fact that Kessie could still be a possibility.

Lauded as 'extraordinary' by ESPN pundit Nicky Bandini, the Milan star has been a key player under manager Stefano Pioli - especially last season.

A natural defensive midfield player, Kessie still managed 13 goals and four assists in 36 Serie A starts last season - demonstrating a real prowess further forward.

Averaging a 92.2% pass accuracy in the Serie A this term, more than any Spurs player in the Premier League, he could be an ideal midfield presence to have under Conte with plenty of calmness and composure (WhoScored).

In other news: Eight players now safe from Spurs axe after impressing Conte behind the scenes, find out more here.